Food Safety Compliance Training for Horticulture: Collaborative Course Development by Institutions and Industry

The groundswell of public opinion on environmental issues, particularly those relating to food safety, has impacted greatly on on-farm requirements. New Zealand primary industry must conform to strict compliance programs determined both by NZ legislation and by international market requirements. Training courses were developed to enable the rural sector to meet these compliance conditions, but primary producers were often reluctant to participate in the programs, based on their perception of the course content and its relevance to their on-farm activities. Distinct differences in acceptance arose between agricultural and horticultural producers. A new and collaborative approach between both educational institutions and industry helped overcome resistance, with farmers responding positively to an education curriculum which their own industry helped develop. Details of this successful training course will be outlined and the outcomes discussed.